In 2011 the company I worked for in the Big Apple offered me the opportunity to up sticks and move to Denver, CO. Kristin, Marchie (our adopted NYC Plott Hound) and I left feeling a little anxious to leave the big city behind but equally as excited to experience a new part of the US. The “Mile High City” would become home for the next 13 years and counting.

Over the following years we explored a lot of what Colorado has to offer over our decade here. Exceptions included Rocky Mountain Oysters (not a chance in hell), dinner at Casa Bonita or September “Rockies” baseball. The latter feeling further away than ever before.

As a Coloradan, be it adopted or native, you are quickly institutionalized by the great outdoors. You ask somebody from Denver, Colorado what they do, and they’ll likely answer by telling you they bike lookout mountain, climb 14ers or traverse level 5 rapids. It can be quite intimidating at first.

One beloved Colorado pastime we have not embraced is Camping. It’s not that we didn’t try, in fact just weeks into being here, I found myself eagerly perusing the tent aisle at REI, Denver’s outdoor HQ. I was on a mission to procure the “best” tent money could buy.

Rule #1 in buying a tent you’ll never use more than once is simple. Avoid all retail assistants and their qualified advice. Executing this flawlessly, I decided to first trust my eyes, and then my heart. My final buying decision was based primarily on the old American principle of “bigger is better”. Despite being $1000 lighter for the experience, I felt chuffed with myself as I left REI with the Kingdom12 Super Tent + Pro tucked proudly under my arm. I was a Colorado tent owner, and it felt good!

As the name suggests, the Kingdom12 Super Tent +Pro could sleep 12 humans, comfortably. I only saw upside for our family of two humans + two dogs. It also boasted Room dividers, electric ports, storage pockets and adjustable air vents. With no training whatsoever, I felt the Kennedys were ready to take on all the camping Colorado had to offer.

Any post purchase excitement was eroded within 90 minutes as we stared at around 50 now unboxed components of Kingdom12, sprayed across my garden lawn. My relationship with “Kingdom12” started poorly, before going steadily downhill thereafter. The first issue was the time investment required for construction. The reality of which hit me as I found piece “A25”. Jesus, that meant that despite a lawn full of pieces, there were 24 other still in the box! During the first grueling hour of construction, I questioned whether this time commitment was normal or purely something I could put down to tent-master inexperience.

I can tell you, with confidence, it proved to be normal. The Kingdom 12 was nothing short of a “bloody nightmare” as we’d say in England. A monstrosity of a tent that, due to size alone, was about as dependable in strong wind as a cheap brolly! Seems so obvious now.

It was a mere 36 hours after purchase that the Kennedy’s made a decision that we’ve adhered to ever since, we are not tent people. We are hotel people, and that’s okay! It turns out that our situation highlighted a consumer tension. People want the romance of a night under the stars, without the hassle and logistics of everything that must happen to get to that point, a view I appreciate may offend the purist camper. This “gap” has given rise to a new kind of “tent dwelling” known at Glamping. Glamping can be defined (if you ask Chat GPT) as….

A portmanteau of “glamorous” and “camping”, referring to a style of camping that combines the experience of being in nature with luxurious accommodations and amenities.

Here at Fable, we do appreciate the nicer things in life. Over the years we’ve loved watching guests enjoy unique experiences up and down the front range. We want to pass on their experiences, and in doing so, hopefully help you craft yours. Below is a selection of our favorite Glamping experiences to be found in the Centennial state.

And it goes without saying, the perfect accompaniment for a night stargazing, a cold can of Fable.

Travel Intentionally
Ben (Fable Co-Founder)

Dunton River Camp

Located in Dolores, outside of Telluride, Dunton River Camp resembles something from the early scenes of The Hobbit. As you take in the long and winding road into a no-cell service zone that is Dunton, one can’t help but imagine Bilbo Baggins and friends foraging along the rushing river, lined with wildflowers, and rolling meadows. A group of six beautiful horses canter alongside the car, against the sunset giving you a sense that this really is a magical place.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the property’s team (ideally along with one of their pet dogs). Luggage is shuttled to your tent as the team goes over your dietary restrictions, preferred coffee delivery, and activity itinerary. The ultra-chic tents are complete with lush beds, Pendleton blankets, and large bathrooms with dual vanities. For anyone who needs to work from the road, each tent is equipped with wifi and outlets. Mountain bikes are provided per tent, encouraging you to explore the rolling meadows and resort. At 4 p.m. everyday happy hour is hosted at the main lodge. Dinner is served in and around the lodge, using foraged ingredients and local fare. During one friends’ trip, Chef had foraged mushrooms on-property, turning it into the most delicious and hearty mushroom soup they’d ever had, and they were New Yorkers with the highest of expectations. Over the course of 3 days guests can explore trailheads and hike, relax in the riverside sauna before going fishing for trout, or read a book with a Fable by the river. The possibilities feel boundless on this 500-acre property.

Pricing: $$$$$
Contact: 866 976 4397
Fable Variety to Match: Best Zest at Sunset
Website: duntondestinations.com/river-camp/

Collective Vail

Just west of Vail in a town called Wolcott, Collective Vail strikes the perfect balance between luxury and rustic Colorado style. When you’re not enjoying the sweeping valley views, you’ll appreciate the amenities: Each canvas tent is equipped with 1500 thread-count linens, a coffee bar and a private deck.

Take it easy with an in-room massage or go adventuring on a fishing trip or guided horseback ride through the property’s 1,000 acres. Home and hungry, enjoy a wholesome five-course meal with choice plates like roasted potatoes topped with caramelized onions, local trout, and a roasted carrot glazed to perfection. A word to the wise: Pair it all with Into The Woods cannabis infused cocktail. For those who want that authentic camping experience, Collective offers pre-boxed BBQ in which the staff come setup and cleanup—you just get to grill and enjoy.

Pricing: $$$$$
Contact: 970 445 2033
Fable Variety to Match: NightFlight with a BBQ dinner
Website: collectiveretreats.com/vail/

Beyul

So technically we are cheating a little bit with our inclusion of Beyul, as we broaden our definition of Glamping to include “cabins”. Due to extremely positive reviews from friends, we felt Beyul deserved a spot on our list. Be warned though, Beyul is for that adventurer truly looking to get off the grid.

Beyul is situated just one hour from Aspen, perched along the stunning Frying Pan River. Beyul offers 15 cozy cabins of varying configurations. Each cabin offers wood-burning stoves and kitchenettes, or full kitchens so do stock up on groceries before you arrive. Our friends from England stayed at Beyul in April where they learned to love both cross-country skiing and snowshoeing the river bank. Seeking a wellness break? Walk to the river for a cold plunge and follow it with a trip to the custom-built sauna. The property’s landscape encourages individual exploration of both your inner and outer being, so let yourself get lost in its beauty. Enjoy a setting sun over the river with a cold “Fable”, and you’ll find yourself with a gentle and reflective buzz, and a night sky you’ll remember forever.

Pricing: $$$$
Contact: 970 927 4188
Fable Variety to match: Into The Woods! Clues in the name
Website: beyulretreat.com

The Broadmoor’s Cloud Camp

One of our favorite hotels in the country, the Broadmoor sits at the base of Cheyenne Mountain, offering guests one of the premier resort destinations in the United States. Known for its impeccable service, world-class amenities, and stunning natural surroundings, Broadmoor has everything for all members of the family. For those who want to elevate their Broadmoor experience there is Cloud Camp. Perched atop Cheyenne Mountain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Pikes Peak region and the Colorado Rockies, its remote location provides a sense of tranquility and immersion in nature, the perfect perch to sip on a Fable.

Our close friends Darryl and Becky enjoyed 4 days atop of Cheyenne mountain, where they pickle boarded, star gazed and broke bread with some of the most interest people you could wish to meet. At Cloud Camp dinner is served together, family style with your fellow guests, at a set time. If lady luck is shining on you one can end up eating an intimate meal with an NFL quarterback, a politician, Astronaut or CEO of a fortune500 company. After dinner walk back to your cabin or luxurious tent, crack a can of Fable in one of the 5 hot tubs and marvel at the fact your as close to heaven as you can be on this earth. Without the hangover in the morning, you’ll be ready to hit one of the many trails scattered across the mountain top.

Pricing: $$$$$
Contact: 855 634 7711
Fable Variety to match: Into The Woods for a nighttime tipple under the stars
Website: broadmoor.com

We hope you enjoy these recommendations and further still, we wish you happy and safe travels. If you get to one of these stunning resorts, make sure you purchase some Fable for those special moments of reflection. You won’t be disappointed.

Please share photos with us at #drinkfable

Happy adventuring.

Published: January 2024